U.S. Army Deploys Anti-Drone Weapon Near El Paso Airport

Airspace shutdown for 7 hours after LOCUST laser system deployed

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The U.S. Army deployed AeroVironment's LOCUST laser weapon system near El Paso International Airport on Wednesday, leading to a seven-hour airspace shutdown, according to two sources who spoke to Reuters.

Why it matters

The deployment of advanced anti-drone technology near major airports highlights the growing threat of unauthorized drone activity and the measures being taken to protect critical infrastructure and public safety.

The details

The LOCUST laser weapon system, developed by AeroVironment, was deployed by the U.S. Army near the El Paso International Airport. This led the Federal Aviation Administration to initially halt all air traffic in and out of the airport for seven hours.

  • The deployment occurred on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • The airspace shutdown lasted for 7 hours.

The players

AeroVironment

An American company that develops unmanned aircraft systems, tactical missile systems, and other advanced technologies for defense and commercial applications.

U.S. Army

The land-based branch of the United States Armed Forces, responsible for ground-based military operations.

El Paso International Airport

A public airport located in El Paso, Texas, serving the El Paso metropolitan area.

Federal Aviation Administration

The agency of the United States Department of Transportation responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation within the U.S.

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The takeaway

The deployment of advanced anti-drone technology near major airports underscores the growing need to protect critical infrastructure and public safety from the potential misuse of unmanned aerial vehicles. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by the U.S. military and government agencies to address the evolving threats posed by drones.